Portugal

In the last four years river cruising in Europe has gone on an expansion spree that has delivered ships mainly for the traditional major rivers in Europe (Germany, Austria). They have also expanded with gusto to the rivers of France and the Douro in Portugal.

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Government of Canada Travel Advisory

Last Updated: January 31, 2018 9:15 EST1. RECENT UPDATESThe Health tab was updated - travel health notices (Public Health Agency of Canada).2. ADVISORIESPortugal - Take normal security precautionsTake normal security precautions in Portugal.3. SECURITYCrimePetty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, occurs. Thieves are very skilled and often work in groups. Be particularly vigilant in these public areas:all tourist sites and attractionsbeachesrestaurantshotel lobbiestransportation hubs, including bus and train stationsWhile crime occurs mostly in larger cities, thieves can strike anywhere, including in small towns popular with tourists and, in particular, towns along the coast. Be particularly careful in the greater area of Lisbon:Sintra, and particularly QueluzCosta da Caparica beachesGuincho beachvillage of CascaisCabo da Roca and Boca do infernoEnsure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents are secure at all times. Pay attention to your surroundings, avoid wearing or carrying expensive watches, jewellery, cameras, etc. and do not carry large sums of cash. If possible, carry only the documents, cash and belongings you will need for the day; leave all other items in a hotel safe.In Lisbon, exercise caution at all train and underground stations, and particularly on electric trams numbered E28, to Castelo de São Jorge (São Jorge castle); E25, to Prazeres; and E15, to Belém.In Porto, do not walk alone after dark, especially along the Duoro River waterfront.If you are robbed, go to the nearest police station to report the crime and obtain a police report. There are tourist police stations in Lisbon, Porto, Praia da Rocha (Portimão) and Cascais. Local establishments, such as hotels will be able to direct you to the police station.Violent crime targeting tourists is rare in Portugal.On the roadTheft from cars occurs. Thieves often target rental cars and vehicles with foreign licence plates. Don't leave personal items and documents (especially passports) in plain sight in a vehicle.Use secure parking facilities, particularly overnight. Ensure windows are closed and doors are locked at all times. As a precaution, remove or place items in the trunk of your vehicle before arriving and parking at your destination. This will avoid criminals from knowing what valuables are in there.Be suspicious of anyone (outside of police) signalling you to stop on roads or highways. Thieves use this tactic to steal valuables, unattended bags and even the vehicle.If you experience car trouble, stop at a gas station or rest stop. Be aware of your immediate surroundings and keep a careful watch on bystanders, including those who offer to help.Official assistance and road monitoring vehicles are present on Portuguese highways. They will come to your assistance. When possible, wait for these service providers to arrive or if you are in sight of an SOS phone (which are spread along the highways), use it to call for help.Spiked food and drinksNever leave your drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances. Drugs may be present that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.TerrorismThere is a threat of terrorism in Europe. Terrorists have carried out attacks in several European cities and further attacks are likely.Targets could include:government buildings, including schoolsplaces of worshipairports and other transportation hubs and networkspublic areas such as tourist attractions, restaurants, bars, coffee shops, shopping centres, markets, hotels and other sites frequented by foreignersAlways be aware of your surroundings when in public places. Be particularly vigilant if attending sporting events and during religious holidays and other public celebrations, as terrorists have used such occasions to mount attacks.Road safetyExcessive speeds, tailgating, unpredictable driving habits and reckless motorcyclists pose hazards. Slow-moving machinery can also pose a hazard and you may come across them in both rural and national roads.When walking around in the cities, be careful with the uneven and often slippery pavement “calçada”. Cross only at pedestrian cross walks. Always be alert and make sure vehicles have stopped before crossing.Public transportationPublic transportation is generally safe.When using taxis, particularly from the Lisbon Airport into the city, confirm the fare prior to getting into the taxi. You should also make sure the meter is used, so that you are not over charged.Taxi drivers normally turn off the meter when they leave the city limits. Once the driver turns off the meter, the fare is calculated by kilometre. This rate along with baggage rates should be posted somewhere in the vehicle. Take note of the number or licence plate of the taxi in case you need to report unsatisfactory service, reckless driving or if you leave items behind by accident.Air travelWe do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.General information about foreign domestic airlinesDemonstrations and labour disruptionsDemonstrations and labour disruptions can occur in larger urban centres. Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking placefollow the instructions of local authoritiesmonitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrationsMore about mass gatherings (large-scale events)Beaches and water activitiesAlways obey warning flags at beaches, lakes and rivers. The main warning flags used in Portugal are:Green: calm waters, swimming allowedYellow: agitated waters, no swimming allowedRed: dangerous waters, it is forbidden to swim or enter the waterCheckered black and white: life guard is temporarily off dutyThe flags are there for your own safety. The Portuguese Maritime Police could fine you for disobeying a flag.Don't dive into unknown water, as hidden rocks or shallow depths can cause serious injury or death.In the fall and winter months, be cautious when walking along beaches close to the water's edge because waves can be very unpredictable in size and may come onto shore further than expected and with strong undertows.Don't visit beaches or coastal areas during periods of severe weather warnings. Exercise caution and follow the advice of the local authorities.Look out for signs warning of cliff erosion. Falling rocks are a hazard, and authorities can fine those who ignore warning signs.In marine areas, coral, jellyfish and other ocean life found along reefs can poison, sting or cause infection if touched or stepped on. Ask local authorities about the presence of such species and whether they are dangerous. If you get hurt, immediately seek medical assistance.4. ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTSEvery country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination's entry or exit requirements.We have obtained the information on this page from the Portuguese authorities. It can, however, change at any time.Verify this information with foreign diplomatic missions and consulates in Canada.Schengen areaPortugal is a Schengen area country. Canadian citizens do not need a visa for travel to countries within the Schengen area. However, visa-free travel only applies to stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. Stays are cumulative and include visits to any Schengen area country.If you plan to stay in the Schengen area for a longer period of time, you will need a visa. You must contact the high commission or embassy of the country or countries you are travelling to and obtain the appropriate visa(s) prior to travel.General information about the Schengen areaForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaPassportEntry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.Regular Canadian passportYour passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you expect to leave the Schengen area.Passport for official travelDifferent entry rules may apply.Official travelOther travel documentsDifferent entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest diplomatic mission for your destination.Useful linksForeign diplomatic missions and consulates in CanadaCanadian passportsVisasTourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days (see Schengen area for details)Business visa: Not required for stays up 90 days (see Schengen area for details)Work visa: RequiredStudent visa: RequiredRegistrationIf you arrive in Portugal from a Schengen area country and you are staying in private accommodations, you must register your presence in the country within 3 business days of arrival. You can register at any immigration office or police station.Other requirementsCustoms officials may ask you to show them proof of a return ticket.Chilren and travelMinors, under the age of 18, who are travelling alone must carry an authorization letter from the parent or parents not travelling. The letter must indicate who will be taking care of the minor during their stay in Portugal, and specific dates of travel.More about travelling with childrenYellow feverLearn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).5. HEALTHMedical services and facilitiesMedical facilities are generally good in major centres but may be limited in rural areas. Many private hospitals and clinics exist throughout the country. Some require advance payment prior to treatment. Keep all receipts of payment to reclaim expenses from your travel insurance company.Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.Travel health and safety6. LAWS AND CULTUREYou must abide by local laws.Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad.Canada and Portugal are signatories to the Convention on the Transfer of Sentenced Persons. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Portugal to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Portuguese authorities.IdentificationYou must carry photo ID when in Portugal. To minimize the risk of your passport getting lost or stolen, carry a photocopy of your passport or other form of valid photo ID with you. Leave your passport in a safe location. If required, the police may escort you to retrieve your passport from safekeeping.If you carry your passport as official ID, keep a photocopy or digital copy in a separate, safe place, should the original be lost or seized.Dual citizenshipDual citizenship is legally recognized in Portugal.If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Portugal, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements.General information for travellers with dual citizenshipIllegal drugsPenalties for selling or trafficking illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.Illegal or restricted activitiesIt is illegal to film or photograph police and military, as well as certain government buildings. Offenders could be detained or arrested.DrivingYou must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Portugal.You can drive using a Canadian driver's licence for up to 180 days.Penalties for drinking and driving are severe. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines, car seizure and a jail sentence.In some areas, traffic radar registers violations and municipalities send tickets to the offender by mail. This includes out-of-country offenders. Fines for traffic violations are substantial. If you are stopped by a police officer, you must pay the fine on the spot or the vehicle may be impounded until the fine is paid.The use of mobile telephones while driving is illegal, unless the phone is fitted with a hands-free device.The use of a seatbelt is mandatory for the driver and all passengers in a car. Children up to 135 cm tall or under 12 years old must ride in appropriate car seats.You must use low-beam headlights at all times.If you are involved in an accident, you must not move the vehicle and you must immediately report the accident to the police.In case of car trouble or an accident, you must immediately wear the reflective vest that is found in all vehicles and set up and place the warning triangle up to 30 meters behind the vehicle. These items are mandatory in all vehicles.More information about driving in Portugal - European CommissionMoneyThe currency of Portugal is the euro (EUR).Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are widely available.If you are carrying more than €10,000 or the equivalent in other currencies, you must make a declaration to customs upon your entry or exit to the European Union. The sum can be in cash, cheque, money order, traveller's cheque or any other convertible asset. This does not apply if you are travelling within the European Union or in transit to a non-EU country.More information about cash controls - European Commission7. DISASTERS AND CLIMATEWildfiresHigh temperatures can create dry conditions, which can lead to large fires throughout continental Portugal. Fires can cause disruptions to communications and transportation networks. They can also cause road (including major highway) closures.In case of fire, stay away from the affected area. Always follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel. Monitor local media for up-to-date information.The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke and affect travellers with respiratory ailments.Causing a forest fire is treated as a criminal offence, punishable by heavy fines or imprisonment.Seasonal risksExtreme weather changes result in heavy rain and wind storms in the fall and winter months. Rogue waves pose a hazard along the entire west coast.Seismic activityPortugal is located in an active seismic zone. While seismic activity is rare, it can be devastating.Information about active events (primarily in Portuguese) - Portugal's National Authority for Civil Protection

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